By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
The Town of Essex’s By-Law Department investigated 282 potential violations during the second half of 2025, members of Essex Council heard at the March 2 meeting.
Town staff received 120 of the complaints from members of the public – with the majority being relayed via phone – and 162 were investigated proactively by the By-Law Department.
To date, only three remain actively investigated, while the vast majority have been resolved.
136 of the potential violations were related to the Town’s Property Standards – of which the
main offences consist of tall grass/weeds and exterior property debris. 121 were related to parking. The remainder pertained to other by-laws.
These stats were provided through the Bi- Annual By-Law Report Mike Diemer, Bylaw/ Property Standards, provided. Essex Council received the report. The twice-a-year report details the call volume and types of complaints the By-Law Department receives over a six-month period.
Cory Simard, Manager of Legal, Licensing, and Enforcement, presented the report, noting By- Law Enforcement conducts investigations on residential, agricultural, and commercial properties throughout the municipality.
In his Report to Council, Diemer noted the By-Law team “remains uniform in its enforcement process,” from the beginning stage of voluntary compliance to issuing notices of violation. In cases of continued non-compliance, property owners are served with Municipal Work Orders and/or Provincial Offence Act (P.O.A) charges.
Members of the public log onto https:// www.essex.ca/en/live/ report-a-problem.aspx to report any potential by-law infractions. The By- Law Division can also be emailed at bylaw@essex. ca. Those are the two best methods to contact the Town’s By-Law Department.
Given more than half the cases pertained to property standards, Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley wondered if there are any preventative public education opportunities that would help lower the potential violations.
Simard n o t e d sometimes residents may not know they are in violation of the Property Standards By-Law, so using social media for messaging is helpful. The Town could also look at utilizing local newspapers, as well. Members of the By-Law Enforcement Team, when they see something, also try to educate residents.
Shepley hears a lot of complaints from residents in the winter – from Brien Avenue and Fairview Avenue. They often relay how after shoveling sidewalks or multi-use trails, plows push the snow back onto the pathways. He wondered if the Town could be a little more lenient with residents who have a walking track, because there is a place for people to walk. He thinks that is something worth looking at.
Diemer said the Town gets those complaints, as well. The By-Law Team always tries to speak with the property owner and give them a little bit of time to get into compliance. Snow-covered sidewalks and pathways are safety hazards and need to be taken care of.
This Bi-Annual By- Law Report also noted there were no Short-Term Rental By-Law infractions issued during the second half of 2025. Simard added the By-Law Team has been able to be more proactive in this area.
Mayor Sherry Bondy asked what By-Law can do to prevent residents from not picking up behind their dogs in parks.
Diemer said if that is witnessed, or if there is a witness willing to testify, charges can be laid. Signage is always a great idea to help mitigate.
Director of Community Services/Deputy CAO, Jake Morassut, said his team and Town communications are working to put more signs in targeted locations. Those dog owners, he added, have to be responsible.